Valenzuela reports first COVID-19 case

The Valenzuela City Health Office on Thursday confirmed the city's first case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

According to a tweet, the case is a 34-year-old female with no travel history but was exposed to an individual who had traveled to Malaysia.

The patient is currently exhibiting flu-like symptoms and is under strict home quarantine in accordance with guidelines issued by health authorities.

She consulted a private hospital in Manila after experiencing sore throat and fever. 

JUST IN: As of March 19, 2020, Valenzuela City now has a positive case of COVID-19. A female patient, 34 yo, consulted a private hospital in Manila after experiencing sore throat and fever. The patient has no travel history but has exposure to someone who traveled to Malaysia. pic.twitter.com/80tDadWqP4

— Valenzuela City (@valenzuelacity) March 19, 2020

Meanwhile, local health authorities have reportedly begun contact tracing for individuals who may have interacted with the positive case.

"The Valenzuela City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit have done the necessary measures such as contact tracing and they are closely monitoring the identified close contacts," it said.

Confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country have climbed to 202 with 17 recorded fatalities due to the virus. — RSJ, GMA News